Bruschetta

Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
1 ea medium loaf any rustic bread
1 - 4 garlic cloves, halved
Olive oil as needed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Prepare a grill or turn on the broiler; the heat should be medium-high and the rack about 4 inches from the heat source.
  2. Trim and slice the bread into at least 8 pieces, each about 1 inch thick. Grill both sides lightly, turning once, until browned on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. While the bread is still hot, rub one or both sides with the garlic. Put the bread on a plate, then drizzle it with olive oil (a teaspoon or two per slice is not too much); sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Topping Ideas

  1. Chopped ripe tomatoes (about 4 cups)
  2. Chopped fresh basil leaves (1 cup, packed)
  3. Shaved or grated parmesan (about ½ cup)
  4. Sliced fresh mozzarella (1 pound)
  5. Ricotta cheese (about ½ cup)
  6. Chopped olives or capers (½ or ¼ cup respectively)
  7. Grated lemon or orange zest (2 tablespoons)
  8. Sliced apples, pears, or plums (about a pound)
  9. Chopped toasted nuts (½ cup)
  10. Anchovies (1 or 2 per slice, with chopped parsley)
  11. Sliced salami, prosciutto, or other smoked or cured meat (4 to 8 ounces)